-- Goalie Jacob Markstrom did not participate in the on-ice stuff after having knee surgery (repaired meniscus) last season.

He says the knee is doing well, but there's no reason to rush things since it's only July. True that.

Markstrom also said he's looking forward to getting this season going. He seemed a lot more comfortable and confident than when we first met him last summer. He knows the Panthers organization now, knows the area much better. That would make anyone relaxed.

-- Assistant general manager Mike Santos continued to refute reports out of Canada that the Panthers and Erik Gudbranson's camp have had their differences. Santos also repeated previous statements that a deal will get done.

Gudbranson, for his part, says there is no animosity and that he's “happy” to be a member of the Florida Panthers.

He completely expects to be with the Panthers this year and has told some that he doesn't think he's returning to his junior team in Kingston, Ontario.

As far as some of Gudbranson's blow ups go, the Panthers have already dismissed them and have no problem with this guy. And they shouldn't. He's going to be a beast. Good hockey mind, good head on his shoulders. I'm thinking a lot of stuff got blown up last year.

-- The Panthers made another move today, signing free agent defenseman Tyson Strachan on a one-year, two way contract.

Strachan, 26, has played in 67 career NHL games -- all with St. Louis (2008-11). He's 6-foot-3 and played at Ohio State from 2003-07.